Students Perform At Special Event For China West Midlands

29th September 2020

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On Saturday 26th September students from the Midlands Academy of Musical Theatre performed a special limited-ticket only event at Blue Orange Theatre for China West Midlands. Attending were Chinese cultural organisations where strict social distancing was maintained. The play, The Chinese Labour Corps, was performed jointly with five professional Chinese actors and funded by way of a R & D grant from Arts Council England. "China West Midlands is about strengthening connections in business " said playwright and solicitor Ian Henery "education, culture, arts and sports for deeper understanding, greater collaboration and mutual prosperity between the West midlands and China". The play, the Chinese Labour Corps, was presented as a workshop presentation. Blue Orange Theatre worked with the actors and students for a week in order to develop the script and invited people to view the presentation online and help by providing honest feedback. "Criticism is very welcome " explained Ian. "We are hoping to develop the play when restrictions allow into a full production and tour". The original intention was to perform the presentation to a live audience but due to COVID-19 restrictions the presentation was streamed followed by a Q & A. The play, The Chinese Labour Corps, is one of the least-known stories of the First World War. The moving and surprising story of the Chinese Labour Corps, who volunteered to travel thousands of miles to help in a war they knew little about, has been virtually whitewashed from history books. Loyalty, colonialism and romance combine in this new play based on true events. Blue Orange Theatre is a charity that provides cutting edge drama. The production has the support of the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, who attended a earlier production of the work in -progress before lockdown and COVID-19. Details of where to watch the play online: Saturday 26th September 1pm - http://youtu.be/FFRtPfjMwxU 6pm - http://youtu.be/zHP19hOX7sQ

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